London Cityscape

Flying from Los Angeles to London with your Pet

What documents do I need to fly my pet from Los Angeles to London?

While moving your pet from the USA to the UK may appear complex, it is quite simple if you follow these specific steps. When travelling with Vicuna, we guide you through every stage. Our document portal allows you to upload everything we need, and our traffic light system ensures that when all the greens line up, you are good to go!

Step 1

Your dog

  • •
    The Microchip: Your pet MUST have a microchip implanted PRIOR to having their rabies jab.
    • –
      It must meet ISO 11784 and 11785 standards (usually a 15-digit numerical code).
    • –
      Ensure your vet confirms this requirement before proceeding.
Step 2

Documents and vaccinations

  • •
    Rabies Vaccination:
    • –
      Age: Your puppy must be at least 12 weeks old before its first rabies vaccination.
    • –
      The Wait Period: After the initial rabies jab, you must wait a minimum of 21 days (check with your vet about which vaccine, as some now require 30 days) before the vaccination is considered valid for travel.
    • –
      Accreditation: You MUST use a USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) accredited vet.
    • –
      Records: Your vet must record the manufacturer, brand, batch number, expiry date, and vaccination date.
    • –
      Boosters: These must be contiguous. The booster must be administered within the valid period of the previous vaccine. If the previous vaccine has expired by even one day, you must restart the process with an initial dose and wait another minimum 21 or 30 days dependant on the vaccine.
  • •
    The Pet Health Certificate (PHC) is the primary document required for entry into the UK:
    • –
      The Vet: Only a USDA accredited vet can issue a PHC. We strongly recommend using a vet registered with VEHCS (Veterinary Export Health Certification System) so they can submit the form electronically to USDA APHIS. It is important that you check your USDA accredited vet is familiar with the pet travel health certificate process, as not all accredited vets regularly handle international pet travel documentation.
    • –
      Timeline: The PHC can be completed up to 30 days before your departure date.
    • –
      Once submitted, APHIS will endorse, stamp, and sign the certificate.
    • –
      Crucial: Once endorsed by the USDA, the PHC is only valid for TEN days.
  • •
    Tapeworm treatment
    • –
      Tapeworm treatment is the only modification allowed to the PHC after it has been endorsed. This is mandatory.
    • –
      The Treatment: Must contain praziquantel (or an equivalent effective against Echinococcus multilocularis).
    • –
      The Timing: Must be administered by a vet between 24 and 120 hours (1–5 days) before your scheduled arrival in the UK.
Step 3

Further Guidance

  • •
    Only a USDA accredited vet can issue a PHC. We strongly recommend using a vet registered with VEHCS (Veterinary Export Health Certification System) so they can submit the form electronically to USDA APHIS. It is important that you check your USDA accredited vet is familiar with the pet travel health certificate process, as not all accredited vets regularly handle international pet travel documentation.
  • •
    The PHC can be completed up to 30 days before your departure date. Once your vet has completed the PHC, please send us a copy before submitting it to USDA APHIS – we will double-check everything for accuracy, helping to mitigate any potential problems that could delay your travel.
  • •
    We strongly recommend you use a vet who has recent experience of issuing PHCs for travel to the UK.
  • •
    We recommend you use a prepaid FedEx for the USDA endorsement service. Make sure this is fully paid for at the time of creation. You must tick next day delivery and include SATURDAY DELIVERY. Put your own address in both the To (Recipient) and From (Sender) blocks as the USDA address should not appear anywhere.
  • •
    To find a USDA accredited vet, use the APHIS search tool here.
  • •
    Once submitted, APHIS will endorse, stamp, and sign the certificate.
    • –
      Crucial: Once endorsed by the USDA, you have 10 days from the date of USDA endorsement to reach the UK.
    • –
      If you are planning to visit the EU within 4 months of arriving in the UK, then you will need an EU Pet Health Certificate IN ADDITION to the UK PHC. This can be done at the same time as the UK PHC.
  • •
    We recommend your vet sends the form 10 days before departure. This provides a small buffer if your flight is delayed (e.g., due to winter snowstorms).

Please note you are responsible for all Vet and USDA and FedEx bills etc. We will help guide you through the entire process, but we cannot be held liable if you do not leave enough time, miss critical appointments or for the shipping of the endorsed PHC.

Need further assistance? Speak to a member of our team.

Contact Us